The Brow Guide: Your Microblading FAQs

The word Microblading sounds interesting and scary at the same time! If you're wondering what it is and how it goes, this is the guide for you!

There's a first time for everything! Microblading, also known as 3D brows, Powder Brows, Ombre Brows, and Combination Brows (there's many names out there) is the new talk of the town! Performed successfully by a certified technician, your microblading should last 1-3 years with touchups every 12-18 months. However, there are many factors that contribute to long-lasting permanently made up brows. Any more questions and concerns, email me and I'll be sure to add more answers to this guide!

Out with the old and in with the new! Say Goodbye to your butchered brows, and hello to you new and improved brows!

WHAT IS MICROBLADING?

Microblading, also known as Eyebrow Embroidery, Powder Brows, Ombre Brows or 3D Brows is a procedure categorized under permanent makeup. Unlike traditional cosmetic tattooing, microblading is less invasive and is considered semi-permanent. The procedure is done by using a manual hand tool with ultra fine blades/needles. Another method is the machine technique where the strokes and shading are created with a machine pen instead of a manual pen. Both have similar results, but the machine hurts less. The manual hand tool creates hair-like strokes that are gently etched into the skin, giving a precise, natural and realistic look. Microblading can dramatically correct or fully reconstruct eyebrows that have been thinned out by waxing, plucking and threading. It is also excellent for those wanting to enhance their brows or who have little to no eyebrows, thinning brows from age or hair loss conditions. Pigments used are chosen to match the natural or desired brow color and skin tone will also be taken into consideration.

KEY BENEFITS:

Enhance overall appearance

Good for clients with alopecia, trichotillimania

Quicker morning routine, cuts time in half for makeup application

IS MICROBLADING CONSIDERED TATTOOING?

With the sudden popularity and media attention to the term ‘Microblading’, many are led to falsely believe microblading is not a tattoo process.

THIS IS FALSE. Permanent cosmetics: "semi-permanent makeup", micropigmentation, dermal implantation, microblading/microstroking, eyebrow embroidery, and long-time/long-lasting makeup, are all different names for the same procedure – cosmetic tattooing. Any time pigment is placed into the skin with any device, it is a tattoo process.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Microblading is the process of etching lots of tiny, superficial cuts in the brow line, which are then filled in with pigments to create darker, fuller brows. Microblading is also used to reshape the brow. It can fill in thinning arches, or create the perfect tapering effect. The added control offered by the manual hand tool means a more refined, natural looking brow. With microblading, the results are nearly indistinguishable from real eyebrows, and the hair-thin cuts mimic the shape of real eyebrows.

HOW LONG IS THE APPLICATION?

For the first Microblading session, the entire procedure should take about 3.5-4 hours. During this session, the brow technician will shape and style the client’s brows for client approval. We then follow with pigment color selection. Once the client is satisfied with the choices, we begin the procedure. In 4-6 weeks, the client is to come in for a touch-up session in order to achieve maximum results, and takes 1.5-2 hours to complete.After the initial session, the client will experience their brows flaking and peeling and their brows may appear lighter, but this is normal.

DO MY EXISTING EYEBROWS NEED TO BE SHAVED OFF?

Most definitely NOT! Please do not tweeze, thread, wax or modify your eyebrows in any way for as long as possible, and no sooner than two weeks. The beginning of your service includes a brief consultation, followed by shaping and finally a discussion about color. Your regular brow maintenance of tweezing, threading, waxing and/or tinting may continue once the brows have healed.

DOES THE APPLICATION HURT?

The pain level for the procedure is considered mild to none. Prior to the procedure your brow technician will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area, and also reapplied during the procedure. Everyone responds differently to anesthetic; depending on the client, the feeling of the procedure has been described as light cat scratches to not feeling anything. Topical anesthetics used may contain lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine and epinephrine.

After the procedure, redness and slight swelling in the area is normal. Clients describe the area feeling similar to a light sunburn. Clients can take Tylenol but not aspirin or ibuprofen.The discomfort is relative as everyone has a different level of sensitivity. An pre-numbing anesthetic is applied for numbing before and during the procedure. Every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the duration of the procedure. Our clients are usually pleased to discover that it is no more painful than tweezing or threading.

Pre-Care Instructions are designed and MUST BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED to limit bleeding and skin sensitivities during the service. Excessing bleeding and sensitivity during the procedure will dilute and expel the pigment color and lead to poor results. Click here for precare instructions!

Please note:

Having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during your procedure.

If you are a frequent smoker or "sun worshipper" the topical anesthetics used during the treatment may not last as long and also can lead to poor retention and poor lasting results.

If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity tolerance to the procedure.

HOW LONG DOES MICROBLADING LAST?

Since microblading pigments are not implanted into the skin as deep as traditional tattoos, the area will naturally fade overtime. Microblading typically lasts up to 1-3 years, depending on skin type (normal, oily, dry), age (youthful/mature). Skincare routine will also affect the lasting effect of the pigment: patients who tan, uses products with AHA or Glycolic Acid with fade faster as your skin will resurface faster. Each individual's color retention within the skin will vary. To maintain the brows looking fresh, a touch up is suggested every 12-18 months. Clients can let the microbladed area fade over time, but please note a slight shadow may remain.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HEAL?

The eyebrow area will be slightly red after the procedure and color will appear very dark. This is normal for the procedure and part of the healing process. The color will fade by up to 40% as it heals. In the following days, the eyebrows will continue to be dark and you will notice slight scabbing. Do not pick at the scabs as this may damage the skin and the outcome of the microbladed area. The eyebrows will lighten up in color as it heals. No down time is required after microblading procedure. It takes approximately 7-14 days for the brows to heal over, and about 1 month for the color to fully set in. You'll notice the color is very light right after the two weeks after healing; the skin will have an opaque milky looking quality to it. This is known as the milk skin and is common in tattooing. This is due to the the tissue still healing from the inside out even though the surface of the skin is healed. True color will reveal itself once healed.

WHY DO I NEED A TOUCHUP?

Yes! A touch up session after 4-6 weeks is necessary as everyone heals differently and outcome will vary. Certain areas may not pick up during first session and will need to be refilled. Pigment color may need to be adjusted, brow thickness and more strokes can be added. Individuals with oily skin often require a deeper shade during the touch up session as the oils tend to lighten the pigment. Most importantly, your touch up session is essential for when we refine your brows to ensure it looks perfect and retains the color for the whole year!

Microblading is a multiple step appointment process. YOUR BROWS WILL NOT BE COMPLETED AFTER JUST ONE SERVICE. For microblading, at least two appointments are needed initially. Each of these appointments being 4-6 weeks apart. At the second visit, your touch up session, we will assess the color retention and make any adjustments necessary. If your cosmetic tattoo does not heal perfectly the first time, do not worry! We can always go bolder and add more density at your next appointment.